Perde 1
[Textpart 3]
Would you like to call me anything else besides?
370
CALIDORUS
Is there anything that shames you?
370
BALLIO
Yes; that you have been found to be a lover as empty as a rotten nut. But although you have used towards me expressions many and harsh, unless the Captain shall bring me this day the five minae that he owes me, as this was the last day appointed for the payment of that money,
if he doesn’t bring it, I think that I am able to do my duty.
375
CALIDORUS
What is that duty?
BALLIO
If you bring the money, I’ll break faith with him; that’s my duty. If it were more worth my while, I would talk further with you. But, without a coin of money, ’tis in vain that you request me to have pity upon you. Such is my determination; but do you, from this, consider what you have henceforth to do?
CALIDORUS
Are you going then?
380
BALLIO
At present I am full of business.
380
PSEUDOLUS
Before long you’ll be more so. That man is my own, unless all Gods and men forsake me. I’ll bone him just in the same fashion that a cook does a lamprey Cook does a lamprey: The muraena, or lamprey, was a dish highly valued by the Romans.. Now, Calidorus, I wish you to give me your attention.
380
CALIDORUS
What do you bid me do?
PSEUDOLUS
I wish to lay siege to this town, that this day it may be taken.
For that purpose, I have need of an artful, clever, knowing, and crafty fellow, who may despatch out of hand what he is ordered, not one to go to sleep upon his watch.
385
CALIDORUS
Tell me, then, what you are going to do?
PSEUDOLUS
In good time I’ll let you know. I don’t care for it to be repeated twice; stories are made too long that way.
CALIDORUS
You plead what’s very fair and very just.
PSEUDOLUS
Make haste; bring the fellow hither quickly.
CALIDORUS
Out of many, there are but few friends that are to be depended upon by a person.
390
PSEUDOLUS
I know that; therefore, get for yourself now a choice of both, and seek out of these many one that can be depended upon.
CALIDORUS
I’ll have him here this instant.
PSEUDOLUS
Can’t you be off then? You create delay for yourself by your talking.
